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Local residents were dancing in the street, as Downs Park Road in Clapton came alive with festivities at this year’s Windrush Generation Street Party, organised by Uprising Community Club and Hackney Council.

From a bouncy castle, free haircuts and a barbeque, to a live steel band, folk dancing and a puppet show, the intergenerational event featured activities and entertainment for both Windrush elders and descendents of the Windrush generation, bringing together the local community together.

The event, which took place on 10 August, was attended by the Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Kam Adams and Former President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica, Paulette Lewis MBE.

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This celebration marks Britain’s first official Windrush Day, to mark the ship docking in Tilbury 71 years ago. With that, it’s also important to mark and celebrate the importance of seniors and the contribution they have made to our community. The celebration is to honour and acknowledge, but to also tell the stories of generation that came here to help build this country. We are really proud of your contribution to our borough’s diversity.

Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Kam Adams

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Hermine Anderson, 80, enjoys coming to the party every year. She said: "I like that it’s getting the community together and sharing the togetherness. There's a warm atmosphere, it's very nice and it gets the people together. I look forward to it every year. We do dancing, we do games, and there's a great variety of food."

Collin Waallac, 58, said: “It’s a very good way to bring the community together. Everything is good - the food, the music, I like everything. I've come with my wife, and we look forward to coming to it every year.”

Guests were treated to vibrant performances from the Whittington Steel Band, and the Uprising Community Club group, who put their own spin on Caribbean classic “Day-O”, which had the Windrush elders up on their feet.

The younger crowd enjoyed watching a puppet show performed by other local children, playing hopscotch, and having fun on the indoor bouncy castle.

Leslie Jones, 85, said: “I've been to a few of these street parties, and they’re a really good communal thing. This one has good food, and nice West Indian music, so it's very traditional.”